Borassus aethiopum, commonly known as African fan palm, has a history of use in traditional African medicine for a variety of ailments, including hemorrhoids. Ethnobotanical surveys and traditional medicine literature from parts of West and Central Africa document the use of different parts of this plant—primarily the roots and leaves—in preparations intended to relieve symptoms associated with hemorrhoids, such as inflammation, pain, and bleeding. However, these uses are primarily anecdotal, passed down through generations and recorded in ethnomedical texts or local surveys.

Despite its traditional application, there is a notable lack of rigorous scientific studies (such as randomized controlled trials or pharmacological investigations) evaluating the efficacy or safety of Borassus aethiopum for hemorrhoids. Most of the available literature focuses on its general phytochemical content or its use for other ailments (e.g., as a laxative or for wound healing), without providing direct evidence for hemorrhoid treatment. Therefore, while Borassus aethiopum is used traditionally for hemorrhoids in some cultures, the current evidence base supporting this use remains weak and limited to traditional knowledge rather than validated clinical or pharmacological data.